Sal Stewart's big night helped the Reds mash their way past the Giants
Sal Stewart might be a rookie, but he's capable enough to put the Cincinnati Reds on his back.
Sal Stewart might be a rookie, but he's experienced enough to put the Cincinnati Reds on his back. Stewart, the Reds' 22-year-old first baseman, hit two three-run home runs โ one each in the first and second innings โ to power the Reds to an eventual 8-3 win against the San Francisco Giants on April 15 at Great American Ball Park. Stewart's six RBI's tied for second-most by a Reds rookie in a single game since rookie rules were established in 1958.
The Reds' single-game rookie record for RBI's is seven by Robin Jennings (2001). More: Cincinnati Reds get 'encouraging' news on Emilio Pagaฬn, Brady Singer In the first inning, Eugenio Suรกrez went back-to-back with Stewart with a solo home run. In the fourth inning, Elly De La Cruz hit his sixth home run of the year on a 442-foot solo shot to straightaway center field.
That was plenty of offense, and represented the second game in a row the Reds scored exclusively via the homer. The Reds won't mind if a few wins come by scoring in any one, specific manner given their slumping offense to begin the year. Their 56 runs entering the play were the third-fewest runs scored in MLB, ahead of only the Kansas City Royals (55) and San Francisco (51).
The victory meant Cincinnati would at least take the three game series from the Giants after winning 2-1 on April 14. The Reds will go for the series sweep April 16 at Great American Ball Park (12:40 p. m.